Welcome to the 'Engaging online communities' online group
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Hi all, My name is Daina and I manage the online network here at BCNA. With Summit only just around the corner, I thought I would introduce myself. I will be facilitating the 'Engaging online communities' stream at Summit which you have all signed up to attend :-)
I'm hoping to have all 30 attendees to this stream connected up and making introductions - so we can start to get to know each other!
When you have a 'spare' 5 minutes if you can comment below and introduce yourself - Who are you? Where are you from? What's your connection with breast cancer? What are you most looking forward to at Summit?
I look forward to hearing from you all.
Cheers,
Daina
[ Updates: Check out Mum2jj's post where you can share a recent photo of yourself - https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/groups/engaging-online-communities/blog/how-will-we-recognize-each-other ]
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Hi there. My name is Paula and I am from Cairns in Far North Queensland. I was first diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2009 and again in 2011. After lots of treatment and surgery I eventually went on and had a double TRAM flap reconstruction in 2013. Whilst researching my reconstruction I made contact with Louise Turner and was one of the first members of the Breast Reconstruction Online Group. I found so much support from this group that I hung around and offered support to others in the group. I now have the privilege of being one of the facilitators of this group. A role that I find incredibly rewarding. It feels good to help others along the way. I am both nervous and excited to come to summit and can't wait to meet everyone. I am looking forward to learning more about the new site and ways that I can improve what I am already doing.
Paula x
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Hi,My name is Keryn, Im from Sale in East Gippsland in Victoria, so not so far to travel for the summit but at least I know how cold it is down here.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and had a mastectomy and axillary clearance of the 21 nodes removed 16 were involved. Ive had the book of treatments, Chemo, Radio and as I was HER2+ I had 12 months of Herceptin as well. Ive also had a complete hysterectomy and removal of my ovaries as I had large cysts on the ovaries for many years and didn't want to go down that path also. In 2014 I had a DIEP reconstruction and then a nipple sharing op that didn't work. I have since had my "tittoo" and think that not having a "Barbie" boob is great.
I have been a CL since 2011 and have been heavily involved with the Pink Bun campaign with my local BD owner. (By the way - I'm pretty sure our store, Sale, topped donations in Victoria this year!!!!!!)
Im really looking forward to meeting my new friends and generally getting together with like minded people.
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Hi Paula, it will be great to meet you finally as Ive talked to you many times in the recon group. I have a post with pictures. Don't forget to bring your winter woolies, that is if you have any! I have a sister who lives in Cairns but havnt been your way for a couple of years.
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Hi...... My name is Deb & I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. 11 years after my mother died from this disease. I underwent a double mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy & herceptin. I found out in 2014 I'm BRCA2 positive & have passed this gene on to my 21 year old daughter. I would like to be able to help women living with the gene connect to the resources available to them from the BCNA. These women need support too, often undergoing double mastectomies & oopherectomies without having had cancer.
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Hi everyone!
I'm Di from Safety Beach NSW - about 30kms north of Coffs Harbour.
It's just over 4 years since my bc diagnosis.
When I joined BCNA online network, I'd finished my treatment and felt a bit lost. By reading the blogs and connecting with different groups, it comforted and inspired me. It also helped me reconnect with myself, as a whole person and a woman, not just a cancer survivor. My quality of life improved, too.
I want to help our online communities to continue to grow and learn from each other. To keep supporting women in caring and creative ways. To facilitate online discussion, sharing personal stories and practical resources.
Look forward to meeting you at the Summit.
Di
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Hi Paula (AKA, Mum2JJ), we're really excited to meet you and finally put a face to a username/profile picture! Summit is such a great opportunity to all come together, connect, share and learn.
And unfortunately as Keryn said, you might want to pack your winter woolies. I have just checked the forecast for next week and it's looking like it will be the low teens.
See you soon - only 10 sleeps to go :-)
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Hi Keryn, Great to see you online and so excited you're joining us again for this years Summit.
Pink bun was a massive success this year and I know how much the bakeries appreciate the women in the community helping out over the campaign. Make sure you find Marita at Summit as she might be able to tell you who were the top bakeries across the country. ~ Cheers, Daina
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Hi Deb, It sounds like you and your family have really been impacted by breast cancer and for you to want to give back is just a great thing! Thank you for all that you do :-)
We can discuss this more at Summit, but I thought you might want to know there is an online group for those with a strong family history of breast cancer /BRCA mutation. It was set up some time ago and it not really active but you might want to join the group and connect in with the facilitator Dianna - https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/groups/strong-family-history--brca1-mutation
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Di from Safety Beach (AKA DEH) - how are you? We met at CL training last year for memory and I have seen you around the online - thanks for your intro and looking forward to seeing you at Summit! Like we said to Paula from Far North Queensland (above), you may want to pack your winter woolies it's getting cold down here in Melbourne.
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Hi all
my name is Chris and I am from SA..
My journey started in Feb 2014 following a routine mammo. My official diagnosis was early May following further screening,biopsy and eventually lumpectomy. Due to a strong family history I had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate recon. 8 surgeries later I am almost at the end of the roller coaster ride.
I found so much comfort and support along the way via this website that I wanted to do my bit and support others that are undergoing treatment.
I am looking forward to the summit as it will be an opportunity to connect with like minded people and give me some practical skills to provide the best support to others on the network.
See you next week
cheers
Chris
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Hi Chris, It will be nice to catch up with you at the summit, and I am sure we will all learn a great deal. I for one will enjoy meeting everyone and learning some much needed skills so that I can find my way around online and feel more confidant. See you next week, Di
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Hello all, my name is Dianne, I was diagnosed in 2008. partial mastectomy, 3 sentinel node, 7 weeks radiotherapy. I am well and try to keep fit and healthy. The summit will be a great experience to meet a lot of new faces, learn some much needed fact about online communicating, and come home with a great experience.
Looking forward to meeting everyone,
Di
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Hi Keryn, wow it will be great to finally meet you and all the lovely ladies I have communicated with over the last couple of years. Good for you and the pink buns. I laughed at your Barbie boob comment, haven't heard that one before.
Paula x
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How are you Chris (AKA Chorsell), really looking forward to spending the two days over summit getting to know you all face to face :-) safe travels.
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Hey Di
I'm a little bit excited !! Can't wait!!!
see you there - if not at the airport
regards
chris
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